LITTLE CURRENT—Local food got a boost thanks to a $51,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Over the course of 11 months, funds from the grant flowed through the Growing Local project to support new and transitional farms and businesses with capital, training and mentoring.
The event held to acknowledge Trillium and the 11 months of activities was held at Hayden’s Custom Cutting in Little Current, one of the business that benefitted from the LAMBAC-led pilot project.
LAMBAC general manager Mike Addison thanked Hayden’s Custom Cutting proprietor Ken Hayden for hosting the group, introducing Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha.
Mr. Mantha gave a “hats off” to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their work.
“They really identify with local businesses, local needs, and provide a service that is much needed in the area,” he said. “(The funding) offers a hand up, not out, to people like Ken.”
“Trillium really has community-oriented projects at heart, and it’s happening all over Algoma-Manitoulin,” the MPP continued. “You’ll have your presence now and security for a long time to come,” Mr. Mantha added, speaking directly to Mr. Hayden.
Mr. Addison explained that the Growing Local pilot project supplied training, mentorship and very low interest rate loans to people like Mr. Hayden (a butcher), and also to honey producers, market gardeners and other business with an interest in local food. The project was run between LAMBAC, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Local Food and Farming Cooperative (formerly Eat Local Sudbury).
It was noted that the Growing Local pilot project was wrapping up locally, but would be expanding to other areas of the North.
Manitoulin Trillium Grant Review Team member Michael Erskine explained Trillium’s commitment to working with organizations like LAMBAC through its Seed granting program (which funded the Growing Local project), which enables Trillium to try new programs and test new approaches.
“The idea for Growing Local was to support local people and businesses in the agri-food sector through workshops, mentorships and providing access to capital,” Mr. Erskine continued.
“Over the past year, funds from your grant were used to help with staffing and administrative costs, supplies and the costs of hosting 10 workshops as well as rental space expenses.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Ken,” said Maureen Strickland, LAMBAC’s loans and business development officer. “It’s nice to see you’re open for business,” she added, commenting on the “nice looking beef” Mr. Hayden was busy cutting up before the event commenced.
Ms. Strickland explained that the Growing Local project impacted 52 individuals, saw 98 people attending 10 workshops on such topics as marketing, sales, basic business planning, nutritional labelling and canning for value-added products. It also saw seven businesses/proprietors mentored, three loans administered and a direct impact of seven start-ups and seven expansions. First Nations participants were also engaged in the process, she added.
Mr. Hayden, it was noted, has been mentored by LAMBAC since February.
“It’s a fantastic project and I was pleasantly surprised at the good reception at the workshops,” said Peggy Baillie of the Local Food and Farming Cooperative.
“Everyone brings skillsets that vary,” added OMAFRA ag rep Brian Bell, adding that the networking was of great benefit to the workshop participants.
Ms. Strickland thanked the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the Seed grant, which they can continue to leverage in the North.
Mr. Addison spoke of Little Current’s involvement with the Growing Local program, as the workshops were held out of the Cambrian College satellite office.
“To me, our relationships has always been a very positive one,” said Northeast Town Mayor Al MacNevin. “I’m always glad to see these programs are available. Congratulations, Ken.”
Hayden’s Custom Cutting offers freezer orders and custom cutting with 90 percent local meat. Call him at 705-368-2663 to place your order today.
